Arrest made in Highlands County homicide investigation

An update from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office:

Carlos Martinez, 50, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 50-year-old woman whose body was located behind an auto parts store in Avon Park yesterday.

Martinez was arrested today and is in the Highlands County Jail.

We have not located the next of kin for the victim, so her name will not be released at this time.

Note: Not all arrests result in convictions and everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.


Previously from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office:

Detectives are conducting a death investigation after the body of a woman was located behind the Advance Auto Parts store at 650 US 27 North in Avon Park this morning.  Detectives are working to determine the cause of death.

Anyone who saw a white female (5-foot-3, 110 pounds) with medium-length brown hair wearing a red hoodie and blue jeans walking in the North Avon Park area after 11 p.m. last night is asked to contact Det. Melissa Kurtz at 863-402-7250 or email detectives@highlandssheriff.org.

Anonymous tips can be left via the HCSO smartphone app or with Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.org.

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